Honouring a loved one by honouring yourself!

While I was in high school and in my early 20’s, I lived a very unhealthy lifestyle. I ate anything I wanted, rarely exercised and smoked a half a pack a day for 15 years.

Shortly after I turned 31, I was hit by a bomb—my mother was diagnosed with terminal lung and brain cancer. I was devastated beyond belief and it triggered a rollercoaster of emotions. For years, as I grieved the loss of my mom, I never made my health a priority. I spent countless hours searching for a way that I could honour my mother’s memory. The only answer I could find that made sense to me was to honour myself. I chose to become the healthiest person I could, inside and outside. In order to help bring happiness back to my life, I quit smoking, began exercising and eating healthier.

It’s been eight years since my last cigarette and today I take part in Zumba®, Groove® and Power® fitness classes every week at Motion Fitness in Saskatoon. I even started a run/walk program on the treadmill in January 2016. I never thought I would be a runner but now I can run 10 kilometres! Who would have thought? At work, my friend and I enjoy walking during our coffee and lunch breaks. It’s so nice to have a great support system not only at home but at work, too. My diet consists of eating more natural foods and trying to stay away from anything processed.

By quitting smoking, exercising regularly and eating healthier I have lost 43 pounds. I am a much happier and healthier person. I am grateful for all the people who have supported me along the way. My journey has taught me that sometimes the best way to honour someone else is by honouring yourself.